Public liability insurance covers claims for damage caused by your business to a third party or their property. For example, if you damage a neighbouring property while working on a job or a member of the public trips over a ladder.
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Builders' insurance - from tool cover to public liability
The insurance you need as a builder
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What is builders' insurance?
Builders' insurance is a critical financial safeguard for UK construction businesses, offering protection against the various risks inherent in the building and trades sector. It can provide protection from potentially devastating financial consequences of workplace incidents, client disputes, and equipment-related losses.
Key coverage areas:
Professional indemnity protection against workmanship claims
Public liability insurance for third-party injury or property damage
Tool and equipment coverage for loss, theft, or damage
Workplace accident and injury compensation
A flexible builders' insurance policy will allow you to customise coverage to match your operational needs. Whether you're a sole trader, small business, or large construction firm, tailored insurance solutions can protect your financial stability and reputation.
What will builders’ liability insurance cover?
Builders' liability insurance offers crucial protection in the event that you're held responsible for accidents involving injury to others or damage to their property. With this coverage, you're safeguarded against claims for compensation, legal fees, damages, and loss of earnings.
Here are a few examples of incidents that builders' liability insurance can cover:
A digger on your construction site ruptures a water pipe or damages an optical fibre cable serving a neighbouring property.
Roof tiles from a building you're working on slip and injure a passer-by.
Bricks from a wall you're demolishing fall onto a car parked in a nearby driveway.
Builders' liability insurance ensures that you're financially protected from the risks of working on-site, allowing you to focus on your projects with peace of mind.
Do builders legally need insurance?
If you employ anyone other than direct family members, you are legally required to have employers' liability insurance. Failing to do so can result in a hefty fine of up to £2,500 per day.
While other types of builders' insurance are not legally required, they can still be crucial for your business. Many clients will expect you to have appropriate insurance coverage, as it demonstrates professionalism and reassures them that you're the right choice for the job.
Additionally, some professional bodies may require proof of public liability and professional indemnity insurance to gain membership or accreditation, further highlighting the importance of having comprehensive cover.
What sorts of insurance should builders have?
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance covers claims for damage caused by your business to a third party or their property. For example, if you damage a neighbouring property while working on a job or a member of the public trips over a ladder.
Tool cover
The right tools insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacements if your tools are lost, damaged or stolen. Plant equipment, such as lawnmowers and diggers, are typically included.
Employers' liability insurance
While public liability insurance covers claims from third parties, employers' liability protects you if a member of staff, permanent, temporary or subcontracted, makes a claim against you for a work-related injury or illness.
If you have staff, other than immediate family members, you’re legally required to have at least £5million worth of this cover. You must display your employers’ liability insurance certificate either at your office or on your website.
Professional indemnity insurance
Professional indemnity insurance can cover your legal fees and compensation costs if a client claims they’ve lost money due to mistakes in your work. For example, you agree to complete a shop overhaul by a specific date, yet are late, meaning the client can’t open for business on time.
Personal accident cover
Getting hurt can put the brakes on a builder's ability to earn money. But, with personal accident cover you can ensure wages lost because you are laid up with a back problem, for example, are paid.
Contract works cover
Contract works insurance protects you if something beyond your control - for example theft, fire or wind damage - delays the completion of a job.
Stock cover
Building materials can be expensive - and that's what stock cover is there to protect. It means your wood, paint, bricks, slates, tiles and similar materials are covered against theft and other potential disasters.
What sorts of insurance should builders have?
Public liability insurance
Tool cover
The right tools insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacements if your tools are lost, damaged or stolen. Plant equipment, such as lawnmowers and diggers, are typically included.
Employers' liability insurance
While public liability insurance covers claims from third parties, employers' liability protects you if a member of staff, permanent, temporary or subcontracted, makes a claim against you for a work-related injury or illness.
If you have staff, other than immediate family members, you’re legally required to have at least £5million worth of this cover. You must display your employers’ liability insurance certificate either at your office or on your website.
Professional indemnity insurance
Professional indemnity insurance can cover your legal fees and compensation costs if a client claims they’ve lost money due to mistakes in your work. For example, you agree to complete a shop overhaul by a specific date, yet are late, meaning the client can’t open for business on time.
Personal accident cover
Getting hurt can put the brakes on a builder's ability to earn money. But, with personal accident cover you can ensure wages lost because you are laid up with a back problem, for example, are paid.
Contract works cover
Contract works insurance protects you if something beyond your control - for example theft, fire or wind damage - delays the completion of a job.
Stock cover
Building materials can be expensive - and that's what stock cover is there to protect. It means your wood, paint, bricks, slates, tiles and similar materials are covered against theft and other potential disasters.
What does builders' insurance cost?
Because you can mix and match different coverage options for builders' insurance, what you pay each month depends on what you choose.
To help you get a picture of what other people are paying, we got in touch with our partner Superscript for a few real-life examples of what people are paying to protect their businesses.
| Factors | Scenario 1 | Scenario 2 | Scenario 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of employees | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| Turnover | £50,000 | £100,000 | £500,000 |
| Public liability | £1,000,000 | £2,000,000 | £2,000,000 |
| Employers' liability | N/A | £10,000,000 | £10,000,000 |
| Contract works | N/A | N/A | £100,000 |
| Tools | N/A | N/A | £5,000 |
| Annual cost* | £174.97 | £1,124.64 | £2,663.81 |
*Prices will vary based on your business details and the work you do
Superscript: 10% of Builders paid £13.47, or less, between October and December 2024
These are real quotes given to Superscript 'Builders - All Premises' customers. Updated on March 07, 2025
How to get cheaper builders' insurance
Decide what cover options you want
Work out what you'd like to be covered for. For example, you won’t need employers' liability cover if you're self-employed and work alone.
Decide on your cover levels
How much public liability cover do you need? What will it cost to replace your tools? While underestimating could leave you in the lurch, there's no point paying for more cover than you need either.
Check your policy excess
The excess on a policy is how much of any claim you have to pay yourself. A bigger excess can mean cheaper quotes, but will mean you have to pay more if you do claim.
FAQs
What information do you need to apply for builders' insurance?
When applying for builders' insurance, you'll typically need to provide basic details such as your name, address, and the type of work you carry out. Insurers may also ask for information about the size of your operation, including your annual turnover and the number of staff you employ.
Additionally, you may be required to disclose any past claims or insurance history to help insurers assess risk and determine your premium. Being prepared with these details will ensure a smoother and faster application process.
Are tools included in builders' insurance?
Most builders' insurance policies offer the option to include tool cover as part of the package, ensuring that your equipment is protected against theft, loss, or damage. However, if your primary concern is tool protection, you can also purchase tool insurance as a standalone policy. This allows you to tailor your insurance to focus specifically on safeguarding your valuable tools, giving you peace of mind while working on site.
How long does builders' insurance last?
Many builders' insurance policies are set for 12 months, however flexible options are also available. These let you add in extras, increase or reduce your cover levels on a month-by-month basis.
What type of builders are covered by builders' insurance?
You don't have to be in charge of a job to take out builders' insurance. Everything from contractors, hod carriers, commercial builders and house builders can find cover. Check the terms and conditions of your policy or speak to your insurer if you need more details.
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